A lot of us hate to do them, but chores are supportive and great for children to take on when they’re able to for a number of reasons. Many children might see them as boring, unimportant and a waste of time when they could be spending time playing or with friends, and some parents don’t give their children chores at all. It can entirely depend on your upbringing.

That said, there are many benefits for children taking up chores as they grow, with some key reasons from this prep school in Somerset to show you why.

Shows your child to work as a team

Being a part of a team will strengthen their skills to be a good role model in the future. Chores can mean that siblings or parents can work together, for instance, to achieve a goal together. Children will need to communicate, delegate and listen to their parents when doing chores so that they learn how to do them correctly each time.

Improves your child’s time management skills

Nothing riles your child up more than giving them a deadline to complete a task in. Especially if they’re due to see friends or want some play time! Children and teens often learn good habits by taking on chores – in fact a lot of chores are done in some of people’s first jobs where they are on the clock to complete certain tasks.

Chores teach your child about moral values

Very soon your child will learn about how to be respectful and how much work their parents actually do around the home when they’re not looking. It will give them the chance to see things from your perspective and learn from them. Children could then be more aware of the mess they make in the home. Hopefully they will be more respectful of how you manage the home.

It teaches your child about life skills

One day your child is going to fly the nest and be on their own. Where they will be doing all the chores you do each week so its important they have developed life skills. They’re going to learn about how to load and unload a dishwasher, how to use a washing machine, ironing, cooking and budgeting, among other things. Chores actually give your child a lot more adult experience than they think.

It can be rewarding for them

If they know that they’re going to receive a reward at the end of their chores then they’re going to be very enticed to finish them. Usually chores are tied with a reward after they’re done, usually pocket money for kids. But also the sense of relief that it’s done afterwards. You can also show them how a clean and organised home will help them when they’re adults. This can strengthen your bond with your child.